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“Cubby" Oval
18th Century.
....sale pending
'Monogrammed Box'
New England, ca. 1740-1770.
Original dry worn and patinated white paint on pine and probably ash.
This box has early features of the oval being relatively wide (chubby), fingering on the end rather than a side, and wrought/rosehead nail joinery.
The engraved triangular marriage monogram ‘B/IM’ on the lid is seldom found on a pantry box. By convention, the surnames’ first initial is on top, husband’s initial lower left, wife’s initial lower right. Note that the ‘I’ may be a ‘J’ as it was convention in this period to write a J as an I. The monogram indicates that this box was likely made for their marriage, and important to them.
Losses and a split lid, the top smoothly burnished from frequent handling and rubbing. About 8 ½ inches long x 7 ¼ wide x 3 1/8 tall. A joy to hold a pre-Revolution box working approaching three centuries of age.
Rare Inscribed
Painted Box
“ABIGAIL COLE
WAS BORN JULY 17, 1750”
.....sale pending
Original dry oxblood-red paint on pine and probably ash.
This otherwise humble pantry box is made special by the perimeter hand-carving which reads: “ABIGAIL COLE WAS BORN JULY 17, 1750”. Research shows that this Abigail was born in Kittery, Maine, a historic town at the mouth of the Piscataqua River.
Note that the letter ‘J’ is represented as an ‘I’ which was typical in this period. The perimeter carving in-the-round is only occasionally encountered on a pantry box and informs us exactly when, where, and for whom….how often do we see that in the ubiquity of pantry boxes???
Fingers joined by early wrought nails. Losses and a split lid. About 6 ½ inches diameter x 3 tall.
In 1750 pre-Revolution colonial America, the primary political event that impacted new born Abigail’s family was the British Parliament's passage of the Iron Act, which limited colonial manufacturing in New England. More broadly, the colonies were experiencing rapid population growth, engaging in lucrative deep-sea whaling, and navigating the rising tensions that would lead to the French and Indian War.
Melon Basket
In Vivid
Old Blue Paint
.....sale pending
Northeast to Mid-Atlantic or Southern, ca. late 19th century/early 20th century.
Melon baskets (aka buttocks baskets) were designed with two deep lobes so that when placed on a flat surface the basket would lean to one side, preventing contents like gathered eggs from rolling and cracking.
This melon basket is elevated considerably by a most beautiful blue paint, with smoothly burnished wear on the high-spots underneath and on/under the handle, sure signs of age and frequent use
Stoutly made, fixed handle, excellent condition, a couple of minor breaks. About 12 inches wide x 12 deep x 11 tall.
Fingered Box
Beautiful
Blue Paint
.....SOLD
New England, ca. early 19th century. In original blue paint (red on the interior).
The blue is especially beautiful enhanced by period wear and patina. Opposing fingers joined by cut-nail tacks and wooden pegs.
Excellent condition. Round, about 7 inches diameter by 2 5/8 tall.
Crisp Three-Finger
Shaker Box
in Original Red
.....SOLD
Probably Northeast, ca. mid-19th century.
Original deep red paint (tending toward an oxblood color) and very thin over-varnish on pine top and bottom and maple side walls. Classic form, oval, with three well-cut swallowtail fingers secured by gorgeous patinated copper nails, cleated on the inside, with the side-walls joined to top and bottom with square wooden pegs.
Structurally perfect, sits square and the lid still fits exactly. The red paint with full even coverage with expected burnishing on the edges. Minor scattered bits of white paint.
About 8 inches long x 5 1/2 wide x 2 3/4 tall. A terrific example.
Unique Candle Box
with Side Sconce
.....SOLD
New England, ca. early 19th century. With two centuries of untouched character.
Original very dry and patinated sage-green/gray paint on pine, with rich natural patina on the unpainted area. I’ve never seen this form before. A sliding lid candle box is mounted, via nailed on backboard and bottom board, to a side extension to hold a sconce or candlestick. The box retains an early and scarce little tin sconce that fits perfectly.
Lightweight and intended to hang (the hanger has been lost) or rest on a horizontal surface. Small size at just 10 ¼ inches tall x 8 ¾ wide x 3 ¼ deep.
Dramatic
Portrait Miniature
New England, ca. 1820-1830. Watercolor on paper.
The folk art portrait shows the fashionably dressed gentleman in three-quarter length profile, with unusual foliage representations about the perimeter that add drama and interest.
Presented in a period frame that is likely original despite later nails securing the carved backboard. Frame size about 6 ¾ inches x 5 ¼.
Remarkable Carved
Presentation Case/ Watch Hutch
.....SOLD
Probably Northeast, possibly Hudson River Valley to New Jersey, ca. 18th to early 19th century.
Original black paint and thin crackled varnish on a hardwood that appears to be maple. Skillfully and profusely chip carved, tapered and canted. It is punctuated with pinwheels, hearts, half-round “sunburst” drops or hangers, as well as being footed or finialed depending upon the orientation. The front board attached via tiny wooden pegs. The hearts, combined with the effort taken to create such a piece, along with the initials “I.R.” carved into the front, indicate this case was made as a special gift for an event like engagement or wedding.
Although likely intended to display a watch, alternatively this case or “hutch” may have been crafted to display a medal, portrait miniature, jewelry, or even a miniature textile. Whatever the intention it was important to them.
Intriguingly, although this piece at first view one would expect to stand with the broader end of the taper down, in that orientation it rests on the half-round sunburst which drops further than the back feet, so the back feet would have had no use. Also in that orientation the initial “R” would be upside down. Further, the hanging hole of the broader end clearly shows wear from being used… So, I believe that although it has undoubtedly stood for maybe much of its life with the broad end down, it was originally made to hang with the broad end at the top. Either way, hung or standing, it is outstanding. I have shown it both ways in the images.
Exceptional condition, no damage, robust and hefty. About 5 ½ inches tall x 3 wide x 2 deep.
Early Painted
Tabletop Lighting Stand.
Rare Octagonal Base
.....SOLD
New England, ca. 18th century.
Skillfully turned from what appears to be chestnut, retaining the original very dry brown paint, the color presenting as reddish-brown in sunlight. The design features a rare form-slightly domed-octagonal base-the facets with “lambs tongue” crests. The base supports a baluster-turned lower section leading to hand-cut threads to allow raising and lowering the candle arm. The two-light candle arm echoes the baluster-turning on the column. Interesting to note that the figure (rings) of the wood are remarkably tight together due to the wood being from an old-growth tree having grown very slowly.
At just 21 inches tall, this lighting stand was not for the floor, rather would have been carried from room to room and placed on a table or chest. Terrific condition. Provenance includes Sam Forsythe and a private Midwest collection.